Unilever sales rise on higher prices

The Anglo-Dutch owner of Dove, Ben & Jerry's and other household brands reported underlying sales growth of 2.9%, in spite of a slight dip in volume. Excluding that unit, underlying sales were 3.4%, Unilever said. Total sales were 13.3bn euros, up 6% in part on exchange rate factors. The firm said it expected to deliver sales growth of 3% to 5% for the year. "We think the group has enormous potential to steadily boost returns whilst compounding sales over time."